Sunshine Reeves Jewelry: One of the Star Indian Jewelers of Today

Sunshine Reeves has been handcrafting beautiful and intricate heavy sterling silver jewelry since the early 90s. Born into a family of silversmiths and jewelers, he did not take up the family trade until he turned 24. He was taught the trade by older brothers, David and Gary reeves, who are in themselves, among the most sought after and widely, recognized jewelry artists of today. Sunshine is known for the intricacies of his hand wrought stamped designs, which have also earned him many awards.

Born in New Mexico, Sunshine is no stranger to silver smithing, with most his family, particularly his brothers, who taught him the craft, offering strong influences. However, it was not until he was in his twenties he took the craft for his own. Since then, he has become one of the best and most distinguished silversmiths and jewelers in the country.

The anatomy of a Sunshine Reeves piece is simple though nothing simplistic about his process and his intricate labyrinth of patterns and designs. His pieces often begin with a flat sheet of silver, stamped and shaped into form. Deep hand stamping and shaping results in intricately decked out bracelets and jewelry boxes. He even designs beautiful kerosene lanterns. His unique process may be tedious and labor intensive, with each individual marking representing a separate, lovingly wielded hammer blow, but this only makes each finished product a true work of art.

A master of his craft and a star in his field, Sunshine’s works are displayed at many exhibits and museums, including prestigious ones like the Peabody Museum, Heard Museum, and Harvard University. Owning a Sunshine Reeves piece means owning a piece of unique and valuable art, this will become more collectible and valuable with time.

Buy Thomas Curtis Heavy Gauge Sterling Silver Ring Online

Thomas Curtis, father to one of today’s most recognized Navajo jewelers, Jennifer Curtis, has come to be recognized as one of the pioneers in what is now seen as world class Navajo jewelry. Having spent 50 years of his life perfecting his craft, his pieces are true works of genius and are sought after by collectors from across the globe. His designs are a strong reflection of his upbringing in a clan of talented silversmiths. Both of Thomas’ grandfathers were silversmiths. With their encouragement, he began creating and experimenting with traditional Navajo jewelry at a young age of 12. Best known for his heavy gauge silver masterpieces, his work best speaks to collectors who are fond of skillful use of the material and precise, hand tooled designs and details.

This Navajo jewelry legend had a deep rooted respect for traditional Navajo silver smithing and his dedication to his craft earned him many awards and countless ribbons recognizing his skills and his eye for impeccable designs. His designs are original, owing to his own set of stamping tools (die sets), which he made himself. He is among the industry’s premier and most respected silversmiths, commendable for staying true to the traditional life. Until his death in June 2013, Thomas lived a simple life on the Navajo reservation, taking inspiration for his work from nature, the ground, the plants, the sky, and the changing seasons.

He has left the beautiful legacy of his craft to his children and even his grand children. His daughter, Jennifer has quite a following for her intricate Navajo jewelry boxes, taking after her father’s skillful silver smithing techniques.

It will only be a matter of time until the last of Thomas Curtis’ works will be available on the market, so it’s advisable that you buy your collector’s piece now, before you miss out on his unique brand of craftsmanship. Buy Navajo jewelry of Thomas Curtis only from companies that ensure authenticity of the handmade Native American jewelry they carry.